3/3/2014 5:30 PM PST

EXCLUSIVE

They don't call 'em Steely Dan for nothing -- at least according to a former singer for the band, who claims the classic rock group stiffed him big time on royalties.

David Palmer is suing the group, claiming his lead vocals on songs like "Dirty Work" were an integral part of Steely Dan's debut album in 1972 -- but he's only received an insulting $8,183 worth of royalties stemming from radio play.

Palmer -- who left the group in 1973 -- is repulsed by the money ... insisting his royalties share entitles him to way, way more.